Cats and Arthritis

[Salsa_1960]

I have a 12 year old cat. She is friendly but this past year or two she gets to where she cries when I pick her up. Might this be a sign of arthritis. She seems to be healthy in all other ways except that she's a little overweight. I try not to overfeed her but I can't afford the more expensive diet cat foods (to help her lose weight). I don't buy the cheap store brands but I can't afford IAMS or SCIENCE DIET.



~Sandy

 

[IvoryRain]

It sounds as if there is a chance there is some arthritis. Its really hard to say, though.

Here is a pretty in depth link for you - but its pretty user friendly:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/arthritis.html

Do you have a holistic vet in your area? They really are able to work wonders with pets.

 

[Salsa_1960]

Do you have a holistic vet in your area? They really are able to work wonders with pets.

No, I live in a small town. Pretty remote. I don't have the money to be taking her in for multiple vet visits either. Obviously, if she was seriously ill, I'd take her in, but for just a few aches and pains, I have other bills that need to come first. (I'm unemployed at the moment).

Are there some over-the-(veterinarian's)-counter things out there for arthritis? I'm wondering if it might be worth giving one of them a try for her. I'm supposing that human over-the-counters (like aspirin and Tylenol) are not a good thing to be trying on a cat.

~Sandy

 

[IvoryRain]

You may want to check this link for books on holistic care:

http://www.taoherbfarm.com/herbs/resources/booksnatural.htm

There are many safe, tried and true - vet approved holistic measures you can work with that don't cost an arm and a leg.

I havent called to verify all of these free 800 numbers, but here is a list of numbers you can call to receive free pet samples, info and booklets:

http://www.webspawner.com/users/pumpkinpets6/
Please note this one:
800-426-4256 Free "Holistic Pet Care" Book and Products Brochure (Halo Pets website)

Here is the link to Halo's forward of their holistic book:
http://freebies.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.halopets.com%2Fholistic.htm

I hope this helps some.

As for human medications - There are ways and methods to make asprins work for an animal (Ive had to use it under many different circumstances with vet approval) , but instead of my telling you, it should be something discussed with a vet. I'd hate to open my mouth and have someone take things the wrong way... animal health is very important to me.

 

[BeanMak]

Do NOT use tylenol or Aspirin on a cat. Their system does not break down medication like ours (or even like a dog's)

 

[Krazeekkc]

Since your cat is over weight you could try feeding her a little less than what you usually would. That might help since you can't buy any of the more expansive foods. Also sometimes with dog food it's cheaper to buy in bulk and it might be that way with a cat food too! Also how how old is your cat? The older it is the more chance it might have arthritis. Try to play with your cat and give it some exercise! It might help. As for the pain I don't think cats can have people medicine. I have heard of dogs having some but I don't think you can do that with cats.

Hope I helped - Krazeekkc!

 

[Salsa_1960]

She's 12 but not very active. I try to cut down on her intake but she keeps crying for more. I should pre-measure it.

 

[Krazeekkc]

On the package of the food you buy for your cat there should be a thing to show you how much you should give her. Also, I sent you an e-mail on an article on over weight cats. I hope you don't mind!

 

[Krazeekkc]

Here is an article I found on cat arthritis:



Cat Arthritis

Arthritis is a degeneration of the skeletal joints. Between each bone is a substance called cartilage, this substance lubricates and acts as a 'pillow' between the bones. When this cartilage erodes from the ends of the bones boney spurs and bone thickening can occur. This will cause pain, swelling, inflammation and stiffness in the joints.

As with people their are two types of arthritis seen in cats. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones. This type of arthritis occurs with age and usage of the joints. Osteoarthritis is generally seen in older cats but can be seen in young to middle aged cats if the animal has had significant disease or some type of trauma to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the cats own joints and tissues and results in arthritis. Although rare, this condition can be seen of cats of any age.

Symptoms to look for:
· reluctance to walk
· reduced motion
· limping or favoring one side of the body
· lethargic
· fever
· loss of appetite
· obvious pain and discomfort

Treatment:
Treatment will depend on whether your cat has osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Your cat may be prescribed steroids, anti-inflammatory medications, or antibiotic drugs. However, never NEVER give your cats aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These drugs, although commonly used for arthritis in humans, are lethal to cats. Always consult your vet before giving any medication to your cat, especially medications which were not prescribed by your vet for your pet.

Precautionary measures:
Try to keep your cat healthy and active. As in humans, being overweight is a stress to the joints and bones. Try to exercise your cat and feed him/her a proper diet.

 

[Krazeekkc]

Also, don't feed you cat tuna! It's very bad for them! And I read that people medicines like Asprin can be lethal to pets!!!

 

[Krazeekkc]

Here is another article:



[size=+1]Conditions Common to Aging[/size]

Oh, my aching joints!



Like their human counterparts, older cats often develop arthritis, which can be more painful during cold, damp weather. Arthritis can be caused by infection of the joint, but more often in older cats is a result of wear and tear. Treatment will vary, according to the cause.

Warning Signs:

• Obvious swelling or redness around joints
• Stiffness or slowness in moving
• Noticeable limping
• Reluctance to climb stairs
• Hesitance or inability to use litter-box (difficulty climbing in)
• Pain (Flinching from petting or handling)

Treatment and Management

• Weight Management
  Excess weight in cats produces more strain on joints, and as in humans, weight loss can help reduce the toll on those creaking joints. Putting your cat on a diet can also help counteract other conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
• Exercise
  If your cat is in pain, it may be difficult to get him to exercise, but you can try to get him to walk on a leash, or offer new and interesting toys, and actively participate in playing with him.
• Gentle massage increases blood flow to the muscles surrounding sore joints, providing some pain relief as well as easing stress.
• Warmth and Comfort
  Cold and damp can exacerbate arthritis pain. Provide your kitty with a warm, soft bed and keep him indoors in inclement weather.
• Medication. Generally, both aspirin and acetimetaphin are considered dangerous for cats, so don't self-prescribe. Your veterinarian might prescribe steroids, such as prednisone, or antibiotics, in case of infection in the joint.
• Alternative treatment, such as herbs, acupuncture or dietary additives, as prescribed by your veterinarian or homeopath.

 

[IvoryRain]

Also, don't feed you cat tuna! It's very bad for them! And I read that people medicines like Asprin can be lethal to pets!!!

Paracetamol can definantly be deadly in cats.

http://www.supervet.co.uk/cat/paracetamol.html